No...this thread isn't about a recent vinyl score, but rather a question for guitarists concerning pickups. What is the definitive Death Metal pickup for sheer heaviness and clarity of sound?
I'm in need of replacing my sub-standard set. Any educated opinion is welcome.

EMG 81's are active pickups (battery powered) and from my understanding, are pretty much the de facto metal pick-up. i had them in an old ESP and they cut through real well. they're super hi-output but being an active pick-up, they articulate the individual strings better.

the 81s are pretty hot and best at the bridge position. the 83 (gold logo) is more for the neck position or if you're playing rock/jazz and don't need a hi-output PU. the 85 is essentially an 83 but splits into a single coil (ala the H) via a push/pull volume knob. the H is just a single coil housed in a humbucker casing. the H i use was free and is in the neck position in my Ibanez. for a single, it has a bit more balls than a standard strat single, but if you turn the guitar volume down some it voices more like a true single coil.

my friend had a Seymour Duncan 'invader' (has the hex bolts) and it was pretty thrashy sounding, but had a ton of midrange. i'm not too familiar with any other Duncan PUs though.

i once had an Ultrasonic (still do) but i can't even remember what that sounds like. just wish i could find a wiring scheme so i could put it into my old Ibanez.

right now i just use the the pick-ups that came on my Les Paul Standard. i like EMGs a bunch, but for what i play i prefer passive PUs and the ones in my LP. the EMGs are nice, but sound too unorganic for my tastes.

best advice is to buy some and compare for yourself or check out forums for opinions.

No...this thread isn't about a recent vinyl score, but rather a question for guitarists concerning pickups. What is the definitive Death Metal pickup for sheer heaviness and clarity of sound?
I'm in need of replacing my sub-standard set. Any educated opinion is welcome.

edited: forwarded by PM

Last edited by Abomination of Desolation on Wed Feb 06, 2008 3:52 am; edited 1 time in total